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(E/ -WLW OPHER KI BROWN United States Patent 3,289,407 TORQUE DEVICE Christopher K. Brown, Camp Hill, Pa., assignor to lingersoll-Ranrl Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Original application May 17, 1963, Ser. No. 281,158, now Patent No. 3,210,959, dated Oct. 12, 1965. Divided and this application June 9, 1964, Ser. No. 375,971

44 Claims. (Cl. 60--54.5)

The present invention relates to power tools and, more particularly, to an improved torque tool of the impulse type.

This application is a divisional application of US. patent application, Serial Number 281,158, filed May 17, 1963, entitled, Torque Device, now Patent Number 3,210,959.

Heretof-ore, conventional portable, power operated tools for driving nuts, bolts and screws or for applying a torque to other objects have been of the stall, clutch and impact type. While the stall type and clutch type tools give satisfactory torque control in most applications, these types are larger and hence heavier than the impact type tool. Further, the stall type and clutch type tools are slower in operation than the impact type tool. In addition, the stall type and clutch type tools provide an undesirable torque reaction to the operator, which torque reaction is not present in a tool of the impact type.

In the impact type of tool, the kinetic energy of the rotary hammer (of larger mass) is transferred to the spindle (of relatively lower mass) by a collision between the jaws of the hammer and the spindle. These conventional impact tools have several limitations. First, the rigid jaws of the hammer and the similar jaws of the spindle are relatively light in order to satisfy the demand of the fabricating industries for a light, portable tool. However, the forces between the jaws of the hammer and the jaws of the spindle are very high during the time of impact therebetween, with resultant breakage or failure of such jaws and a shorter service life than in other conventional power tools, such as those of the stall or clutch type. Secondly, with these conventional impact tools it is very diflicult to control or limit the final torque on a threaded fastener to a final predetermined value within satisfactory limits of accuracy. Further, the impact tools are diflicult to manufacture because of their complicated structure and are rather noisy in their operation.

Conventional driven impact tools provided with mechanical clutches are of the type shown in United States Patent #2,940,565 issued June 14, 1960, to C. T. Schodeberg. Tools of the type shown in U.S. Patent #2,028,441 issued January 21, 1936, to A. G. Decker, employ friction surfaces in a rotating clutch housing to transmit torque impulses to cammed surfaces of the spindle and wherein the friction surfaces are spring biased.

Fluid operated clutches are of the type shown in US. Patent #1,780,199 issued November 4, 1930, to B. A. Linderman, whereas U.S. Reissue Patent #13,021 issued September 14, 1909, to G. F. Leiger shows a fluid pressure operated clutch supplemented by a centrifugal action to control speed where the operation of the diaphragm is in response to fluid pressure and speed. In US. Patent #2,900,811 issued August 25, 1959, to J. E. De Selms, a combination is shown of a clutch structure, mechanical or friction coupling and two chamber hydraulic action to control the clutch operation.

U.S. Patent #2,703,018 issued May 10, 1955, to R. A. Dudley is typical of a pressure fluid drive tool. US. Patent #2,738,048 issued March 13, 1956, to O. G. Douglas shows a hydraulically regulated and controlled torque coupling device wherein the movement of the flexible wall responds to fluid pressure thereby controlling the speed and torque transmitted to the load.

It is the general object of the present invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difficulties of and objections to prior art practices by the provision of an improved tool of the impulse type which tool has all of the advantages of the stall type, clutch type and impact type tools and none of the disadvantages thereof.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which is operable to control the final torque on a threaded fastener accurately and precisely within predetermined limits.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which, because of the simplicity of its structure, is easy to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which provides relatively quite operation as compared to an impact tool.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which is lighter in weight and faster in operation than the tools of the stall type and clutch type.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a tool operable as a source of impulses, which impulses can be utilized to drive a conventional reciprocating tool, such as a hammer, or a conventional rotary tool, such as a drill.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a torque limiting device for conventional tools.

The aforesaid objects of the present invention and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds, are achieved by providing an impulse tool for applying a predetermined torque to an object. The impulse tool has a housing means, spindle means rotatable in the housing means, drive means connected to one of the housing means and the spindle means for causing relative rotation between the housing means and the spindle means.

The other of the housing means and the spindle means is connectable to the object, the one being provided with compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from the compression chamber means.

Valve means are disposed in the one between the compression chamber means and the overflow chamber means, with fluid compression means forming an end] closure for the compression chamber means. Operating means are carried by the other and are engageable with the fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of the one, for causing the fluid compression means to pump fluid in the compression chamber means through the valve means into the overflow chamber means and to compress the fluid in the compression chamber means, the fluid compression means being operative during compression of the fluid in the compression chamber means to rotate the other and to apply the predetermined torque to the object.

In addition, the spindle means is affixed to a stationary casing means and the impulses generated within the housing means are transmitted by means of passage means in the spindle means to a conventional tool. Alternatively, the housing means is secured to the stationary casing means and the impulses are transmitted through passage means in the housing means.

Further, the impulse tool of the present invention may be employed as a torque limiting device for a conventional tool by driving one of the housing means and the spindle means by the conventional tool.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the improved impulse tool of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a vertical sectional view of the impulse tool shown in FIG. 1 showing the operating means on the spindle means out of engagement with the fluid compression means on the housing means and the drive means connected to the housing means and the fluid compression means comprising a flexible diaphragm.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view along the line 22 of FIG. 1A in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 2 showing the operating means in engagement with the fluid compression means;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1A of an alternative embodiment having resilient positionable valve means, a fluid filled overflow chamber means and compressible pressure absorbing means in such overflow chamber;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2 taken along the line 55 of FIG. 4 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the op erating means in engagement with the fluid compression means;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1A but showing the drive means connected to the spindle means;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 1A wherein the fluid compression means comprises a piston;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view along the lines 9-9 of FIG. 8 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an operating means of the Scotch Yoke type;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an operating means of the crankshaft-connecting rod type;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 1A wherein the fluid compression means is on the spindle means and the operating means is on the housing means;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view along the line 1313 of FIG. 12 in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view of the impulse tool used as a source of impulses for operating a conventional tool with the spindle means as the driven member, the housing means tied to the casing means, the compression chamber means, etc, in the housing means, the operating means on the spindle means and passage means in the housing means;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 wherein the housing means is driven, the spindle means is tied to the casing means, the compression chamber means, etc., is in the spindle means, the operating means is on the housing means, and passage means are in the spindle means;

FIG. 1-6 is a side elevational view of a conventional impact tool connected to the impulse tool of the present invention wherein the impulse tool has the housing means driven by the impact tool, the compression chamber means, etc., is in the housing means and the operating means is on the spindle means;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 16 wherein the compression chamber means, etc, are replaced by a piston, adjustment screw and pressure absorbing means.

While the impulse tool of the present invention may be advantageously employed for applying a torque to objects, as a source of fluid impulses, and as a torque limiting device, the impulse tool of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with applying a torque to a threaded fastener, as a source of fluid impulses for driving a conventional tool and as a torque limiting device for a conventional tool and hence it has been so illustrated and will be so described.

With specific reference to the form of the invention illustrated in the drawings and referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the impulse tool of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10. This impulse tool 10 has a casing means, such as a stationary outer housing 12, and a housing means, such as the inner housing 14. A spindle means, such as the spindle 16, is rotatable in the inner housing 14 by means of bearings 4 20 and 22 (FIG. 1A) and is connectable by means of a socket or square drive 18 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) to an object, such as a threaded fastener (not shown).

A drive means, such as an air or electric motor 21 (FIG. 1), has its drive shaft 24 (FIGS. 1 and 1A) connected by'means of a splined connection 26 (FIG. 1A) to the inner housing 14 for causing relative rotation between the inner housing 14 and the spindle 16 (and also the stationary outer housing 12).

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 2, the inner housing 14 is provided with compression chamber means, such as a compression chamber 28, for containing and compressing a fluid, such as oil F, and overflow chamber means, such as the overflow chamber 30, for receiving the overflow oil F from the compression chamber 28.

Valve means (FIGS. 1A3), such as the valve seat plate 32, (which is disposed between the compression chamber 28 and the overflow chamber 30) and a positionable valve stem 34 (which is threadably connected to the inner housing 14 at 36) is employed. The valve stem 34 and valve seat plate 32 define a positionable and restricted leakage orifice 38 through which oil F from the compression chamber 28 is pumped into the overflow chamber 30 as hereinafter explained. F-luid compression means, such as the diaphragm 40 (FIGS. 1A-3) which diaphragm 40 carries a wear plate 42, form an end closure for the compression chamber 28.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 A-3, the spindle 16 carries operating means, such as the cam 44, which cam 44 is engageable with the wear plate 42 during a portion of each revolution of the inner housing 14 for causing the diaphragm 40 to pump oil F in the compression chamber 28 through the restricted leakage orifice 38 into the overflow chamber 30 and to compress the remaining oil F in the compression chamber 28. The compressed oil F in the compression chamber 28 maintains the rotating wear plate 42 in engagement with the cam 44 which (due to the resistance of the threaded fastener (not shown) to further tightening) opposes the movement of the Wear plate 42 over the cam 44. As a result, during compression of the oil F in compression chamber 28, the Wear plate 42 rotates the cam 44, the spindle 16, the socket 18 and the threaded fastener (not shown) to apply a predetermined torque to the threaded fastener.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the amount of leakage of oil F from compression chamber 28 into overflow chamber 30 and the pressure developed in the compression chamber 28 is a function of the width of the leakage orifice 38 and the time that the cam 44 and wear plate 42 are in engagement, which time is determined by the shape and size of the cam 44.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the vertical cam force L exerted by the cam 44 on the wear plate 42 is equal to L cos 9 or PA cos 9 where:

L is the cam lobe force in lbs.;

P is the internal pressure in pounds per square inch (psi) of the compressed oil F in compression chamber 28 on the diaphragm 40;

A is the effective internal area in square inches of the diaphragm 40; and

6 is the angle in degrees at which the cam force L is applied as measured from the vertical.

In turn, the diaphragm side force L (FIG. 3) is equal to L sin 9 or PA/cos 9 (sin 6) or PA/ 9.

Further, the torque T in foot lbs. applied to the spindle is equal to IL or rPA/cos 9.

Where: 1' is the radius in feet of the spindle 16.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS Valve means It will be understood by those skilled in the art that alternatively as shown in FIGS. 46, a resiliently mounted normally open but closable valve means may be employed. This valve means comprises the valve seat plate 32 and valve stem 34 which vlave stem 34 is biased into the normally open position (FIG. 4) by a spring 46 In order to prevent complete closing of the leakage orifice 38 (shown in FIG. 6) an adjustable stop 48 may be threaded into the inner housing 14 to engage the valve stem 34 at the end of its travel thereby retaining it in a position FIG. 6 similar to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Pressure absorbing means Drive means As shown in FIG. 7, the drive means comprising the motor (not shown), spline connection 26 and drive shaft 24 of the motor (not shown), are connected to the spindle 16 with the cam 44 on the spindle 16" and with the compression chamber 28 etc., in the inner housing Impulse tool as a source of impulses The impulse tool 10 can be used as a source of impulses for driving a conventional tool, such as a fluid operated hammer 7i) (FIG. 14) and 76 (FIG. 15).

In FIG. 14 only a compression chamber 28 is employed and the fluid impulses are fed through passage means, such as a passage 71 in the inner housing 14, and a flexible coupling means 72 (of the type disclosed in US. patent application Serial No. 156,436 filed December 1, 1961, by R. I. Leek, I r., for Flexible Coupling Assembly) to the fluid operated hammer 70 In this embodiment, the spindle 16 is driven, the inner housing 14 is tied to the casing 12 the compression chamber 28 is in the inner housing 14 the cam 4-4 is on the spindle 16 and the passage 71 is in the inner housing 14 Referring now to FIG. 15, it will be noted that the spindle 16 is tied to the casing 12 the inner housing 14 is driven, the compression chamber 23 is in the spindle 16 the cam 44 is on the inner housing 14 and the passage 71 is in the spindle 16 It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the impulse tool shown in FIGS. 1-13 can be incorporated into the impulse tool when used as a source of impulses (FIGS. 14 and 15).

In addition, the following table illustrates other combinations of the essential elements of the impulse tool when used as a source of impulses as shown in the pre- 14 which inner housing 14 carries the socket 18". viously mentioned US. Patent 3,116,617.

Member Member Member Member Driven Fastened Having Having Having Fig. No. Member to Casing 12 Gain 44, etc. Chambers Passage 71, 28, etc. etc. therein Spindle H Housing Spindle Housing Housing 14.

Do .Hdo Housing..." Spindle ..do Notghown.

0. D0. Fig. 15. Not shown. Do. do Spindle... Housing do... Do.

Fluid compression means In FIGS. 8-9, the fluid compression means comprises a piston 52 biased by a spring 54 into engagement with the spindle 16 and the cam 44 carried by such spindle 16 Operating means Referring to FIG. 10, the diaphragm carries a U-shaped mounting bracket 56 provided with a (straight, not shown, or arcuate) slot 58 in both depending legs of the mounting bracket 56 with a pin 60 carried by the spindle 16 riding in the slots 58 thereby achieving vertical flexing or reciprocation of the diaphragm.

In FIG. 11, the spindle 16 carries a crank pin 62 with a connecting rod 64 thereon. The connecting rod 64 is connected by a wrist pin 66 to a U-shaped bracket 68 on the diaphragm 40 Further, as shown in FIGS. 12-13, the operating means, such as the cam 44 is carried by the inner housing 14 and the compression chamber 28 etc., carried by the spindle 16 Summarizing the above description and referring to United States Patent No. 3,116,617, granted January 17, 1964, to D. K. Skoog, it will be apparent that the following combinations of the essential elements of the impulse tool may be used as indicated in the following table:

Use of impulse tool as a torque limiting device In FIGS. 16 and 17 the impulse tools 10 (FIG. 16) and 10 (FIG. 17) are used as torque limiting devices for a conventional impact tool 74 and 74 respectively, as for example one of the type shown in US. Reissue Patent No. 24,269, issued January 29, 1957, to M. E. Disser. In FIGS. 16 and 17 the impact tools 74 and 74 have their drive shafts 24 and 24 connected by a square drive 25 25 or a splined connection (not shown) to the inner housings 14 14 respectively. The compression chambers 28, 28 etc., arein the inner housings 14 14 The cams 4-4 44 are carried by the spindles 16 16 respectively.

In each embodiment the impulse tools 10 10 will continue to transmit torque to the sockets id 18 until the predetermined torque of such tools 10 10 is reached. Thereafter, during continued operation of impact tools 74 74 the jaws (not shown) of the impact tools 74 74 Will slip and no greater torque than the limit of the impulse tools 10 1d" will be delivered because of the characteristic operation of impulse tools 10 10 At the torque transmission limit leakage of oil F into or expansion of oil F in overflow chambers 30 30 prevents an increase in further torque transmission through impulse tools 10 1W to sockets 13 18 Referring particularly to FIG. 17, the overflow chamber 36 is defined by the valve seat plate: 32 and a pressure means, such as the pressure plate 76". Such overflow chamber 3 15 is filled With oil F and a resilient annular ring 5t). Increased compression of the annular ring 50 by tightening the screw 78 against the pressure plate 76 increases the torque output of the impulse tool Driven Member Member having Member having Fig. N0.

cam 44, etc. chambers 28, etc.

Housing Spindle Housing 16, 17.

D Housing... Not shown.

Spindle. Do. Housing Spindle Do.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the objects of the present invention have been achieved by providing an impulse tool which has minimum wear and attendant longer service life than conventional impact tools.

The impulse tool of the present invention is operable to control the final torque on a threaded fastener accurately and precisely with-in predetermined practical limits. Further, because of the simplicity of its structure, the impulse tool is easy and economical to manufacture. In addition, the impulse tool provides relatively quite operation :as compared with conventional impact tools. The impulse tool has all of the advantages of the stall type, clutch type and impact type tools and none of the disadvantages thereof; is lighter in weight and faster in operation than the tools of the stall type and clutch type. The present invention also contemplates the use of the impulse tool as a source of fluid impulses, which impulses can be utilized to drive a conventional reciprocating tool, such as a hammer, or a conventional rotary tool, such as a drill. The impulse tool is also operable as a torque limiting device for use with conventional tools.

While in accordance with the patent statutes preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

Icla-im:

1. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) stationary casing means,

(b) housing means within said casing means,

(c) spindle means mounted in said housing means,

(d) one of said spindle means and housing means being secured to said casing means,

(e) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(f) and drive means connected to the other of said housing means and said spindle means for causing rotation of said other with respect to said casing means,

(g) said one being provided with:

(l) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(h) valve means disposed in said one between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(i) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(j) operating means carried by said other and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said other, for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said 0 compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(it) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said other and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

2. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

( a) stationary casing means,

(1)) housing means within said casing means,

(c) spindle means mounted in said housing means,

((1) one of said spindle means and housing means being secured to said casing means,

(c) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(I?) and drive means connected to the other of said housing means and said spindle means for causing rotation of said other with respect to said casing means,

(g) said other being provided with:

(l) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(h) valve means disposed in said other between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(i) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(j) operating means carried by said one and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said other, for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(k) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said other and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

3. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, and apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means rotatable within said casing means,

(0) spindle means mounted in said housing means and secured to said casing means,

(d) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said spindle means and said casing means,

(f) said housing means being provided with:

( 1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said housing means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said spindle means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said housing means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means 9 and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said spindle means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

4. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, and apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means rotatable within said casing means,

() spindle means mounted in said housing means and secured to said casing means,

(d) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said spindle means and said casing means,

(f) said spindle means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said spindle means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said housing means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said housing means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said spindle means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

5. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means within said casing means, and secured to said casing means,

(c) spindle means rotatably mounted in said housing means,

((1) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said spindle means for rotating said spindle means with respect to said housing means and said casing means,

(1?) said housing means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said housing means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said spindle means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said spindle means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression it) chamber means to rotate said housing means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object. 6. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means within said casing means, and secured to said casing means,

(0) spindle means rotatably mounted in said housing means,

(d) said spindle means being provided with passage means in communication with said housing means, extending through said spindle means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said spindle means for rotating said spindle means with respect to said housing means and said casing means,

(f) said spindle means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said spindle means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said housing means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said spindle means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said housing means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

7. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means Within said casing means,

(0) spindle means mounted in said housing means and in said fluid,

(d) one of said spindle means and said housing means being secured to said casing means,

(e) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(f) and drive means connected to the other of said housing means and said spindle means for causing rotation of said other with respect to said casing means,

(g) said one being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(h) valve means disposed in said one between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(i) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compressionchamber means,

(j) operating means carried by said other and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said other, for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(k) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said other and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

8. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

( b) housing means within said casing means,

(c) spindle means mounted in said housing means,

(d) one of said spindle means and said housing means being secured to said casing means,

(c) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(f) and drive means connected to the other of said housing means and said spindle means for causing rotation of said other with respect to said casing means,

(g) said other being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(h) valve means disposed in said other between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(i) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(j) operating means carried by said one and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said other, for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(k) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said other and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

9. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means rotatable within said casing means,

() spindle means mounted in said housing means and secured to said casing means,

(d) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said spindle means and said casing means,

(f) said housing means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said housing means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said spindle means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said housing means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said spindle means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

10. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means rotatable within said casing means,

(c) spindle means mounted in said housing means and secured to said casing means,

((1) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said spindle means and said casing means,

(f) said spindle means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said spindle means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said housing means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said housing means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said spindle means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

11. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a tationary casing means,

(b) housing means within said casing means and secured to said casing means,

(c) spindle means rotatably mounted in said housing means,

(d) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said spindle means for rotating said spindle means with respect to said housing means and said casing means,

(f) said housing means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said housing means between said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said spindle means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said spindle means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said housing means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

12. Apparatus connected to a tool and for driving said tool by fluid impulses, said apparatus comprising:

(a) a stationary casing means,

(b) housing means within said casing means and secured to said casing means,

(c) spindle means rotatably mounted in said housing means,

((1) said housing means being provided with passage means in communication with said fluid, extending through said housing means and connected to said tool,

(e) and drive means connected to said spindle means for rotating said spindle means with respect to said housing means and said casing means,

(f) said spindle means being provided with:

(1) compression chamber means for containing and compressing a fluid and (2) overflow chamber means for receiving fluid from said compression chamber means,

(g) valve means disposed in said spindle means be tween said compression chamber means and said overflow chamber means,

(h) fluid compression means forming an end closure for said compression chamber means,

(i) operating means carried by said housing means and engageable with said fluid compression means during a portion of each revolution of said spindle means for causing said fluid compression means to pump fluid in said compression chamber means through said valve means into said overflow chamber means and to compress said fluid in said compression chamber means,

(j) said fluid compression means being operative during compression of said fluid in said compression chamber means to rotate said housing means and to apply said predetermined torque to said object.

13. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted and closable by the compressed fluid in said compression chamber means.

14. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said compression chamber means and said overflow means are substantially filled with fluid, and pressure absorbing means in said overflow chamber means to yieldingly permit increases of fluid pressure therein.

15. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted, and stop means in said one for limiting the closure of said valve means.

16. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a flexible diaphragm.

17. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a piston.

18. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein the operating means comprises a cam.

19. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein the operating means comprises a scotch-yoke arrangement.

20. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein the operating means comprises a crankshafbconnecting rod arrangement.

21. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted and closable by the compressed fluid in said compression chamber means.

22. The impulse tool recltedin claim 2 wherein said compression chamber means and said overflow means are substantially filled with fluid, and pressure absorbing means in said overflow chamber means to yieldingly permit increases of fluid pressure therein.

23. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted, and stop means in said one for limiting the closure of said valve means.

24. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a flexible diaphragm.

25. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a piston.

26. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein the operating means comprises a cam.

27. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein the operating means comprises a scotch-yoke arrangement.

28. The impulse tool recited in claim 2 wherein the operating means comprises a crankshaft-connecting rod arrangement.

29. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted and closable by the compressed fluid in said compression chamber means.

30. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein said compression chamber means and said overflow means are substantially filled with fluid, and pressure absorbing means in said overflow chamber means to yieldingly permit increases of fluid pressure therein.

31. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted, and stop means in said one for limiting the closure of said valve means.

32. The impulse tool recited in claim '7 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a flexible diaphragm.

33. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a piston.

34. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein the operating means comprises a cam.

35. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein the operating means comprises a scotch-yoke arrangement.

36. The impulse tool recited in claim 7 wherein the operating means comprises a crankshaft-connecting rod arrangement.

37. The impulse tool recited. in claim 8 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted and closable by the compressed fluid in said compression chamber means.

38. The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein said compression chamber means and said overflow means are substantially filled with fluid, and pressure absorbing means in said overflow chamber means to yieldingly permit increases of fluid pressure therein.

39. The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein said valve means is resiliently mounted, and stop means in said one for limiting the closure of said valve means.

4%). The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a flexible diaphragm.

41. The impulse tool recited in claim 3 wherein said fluid compression means comprises a piston.

42. The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein the operating means comprises a cam.

43. The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein the operating means comprises a scotchyoke arrangement.

44. The impulse tool recited in claim 8 wherein the operating means comprises a crankshaft-connecting rod arrangement.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,214,941 11/1965 Shulters 64-26 MARTIN P. SCHWADRON, Primary Examiner.

R. R. BUNEVICH, Assistant Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS CONNECTED TO A TOOL AND FOR DRIVING SAID TOOL BY FLUID IMPULSES, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: (A) A STATIONARY CASING MEANS, (B) HOUSING MEANS WITHIN SAID CASING MEANS, (C) SPINDLE MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID HOUSING MEANS, (D) ONE OF SAID SPINDLE MEANS AND HOUSING MEANS BEING SECURED TO SAID CASING MEANS, (E) SAID SPINDLE MEANS BEING PROVIDED WITH PASSAGE MEANS IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID HOUSING MEANS, EXTENDING THROUGH SAID SPINDLE MEANS AND CONNECTED TO SAID TOOL, (F) AND DRIVE MEANS CONNECTED TO THE OTHER OF SAID HOUSING MEANS AND SAID SPINDLE MEANS FOR CAUSING ROTATION OF SAID OTHER WITH RESPECT TO SAID CASING MEANS, (G) SAID ONE BEING PROVIDED WITH: (1) COMPRESSION CHAMBER MEANS FOR CONTAINING AND COMPRESSNG A FLUID AND (2) OVERFLOW CHAMBER MEANS FOR RECEIVING FLUID FROM SAID COMPRESSION CHAMBER MEANS, (H) VALVE MEANS DISPOSED IN SAID ONE BETWEEN SAID COMPRESSION CHAMBER MEANS AND SAID OVERFLOW CHAMBER MEANS, (I) FLUID COMPRESSION MEANS FORMING AN END CLOSURE FOR SAID COMPRESSION CHAMBER MEANS, 